The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), condemns the attack on Romanian journalist Dan Bucura and hopes that the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice.

Bucura, an investigative reporter with Realitatea TV and former editor-in-chief of the Bucharest-based daily Puterea, was attacked by two individuals in the lobby of his apartment building. One of the attackers said that Bucura was getting what he deserved because he worked for TV, the reporter recalled in a statement to Realitatea TV. Bucura was hit several times but did not need to be hospitalised.

The reporter stated in other interviews that he had published reports regarding corruption and bribes among local politicians. No direct link has thus far been established between his reporting and the attack. However, neither money nor his cell phone were taken.

Romania’s governing Social-Liberal Union (USL) asked for quick police action, saying that aggression against Romanian journalists must be punished according to the law, regardless of who the perpetrators or masterminds are.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated: “I hope that the authorities find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. I also hope that the aggressors of numerous journalists during the January 2012 protests will be found. Aggression against journalists must not go unpunished.”